Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel resigns

MINNEAPOLIS — In the wake of a data breach late last year, Target’s board of directors has announced that Gregg Steinhafel is stepping down as chairman, president and CEO, effective immediately.

“Today we are announcing that, after extensive discussions, the board and Gregg Steinhafel have decided that now is the right time for new leadership at Target. Effective immediately, Gregg will step down from his positions as chairman of the Target board of directors, president and CEO.”

Assuming the role of interim president and CEO is John Mulligan, Target’s CFO. Roxanne Austin, a current member of Target’s board of directors, has been appointed as interim non-executive chair of the board. Both will serve in their roles until permanent replacements are named. Steinhafel has agreed to serve in an advisory capacity during the transition.

CFO John Mulligan is named interim president and CEO

“The board is deeply grateful to Gregg for his significant contributions and outstanding service throughout his notable 35-year career with the company. We believe his passion for the team and relentless focus on the guest have established Target as a leader in the retail industry. Gregg has created a culture that fosters innovation and supports the development of new ideas. Under his leadership, the company has not only enhanced its ability to execute, but has broadened its strategic horizons. He also led the company through unprecedented challenges, navigating the financial recession, reacting to challenges with Target’s expansion into Canada, and successfully defending the company through a high-profile proxy battle,” the board stated.

The board added, “Most recently, Gregg led the response to Target’s 2013 data breach. He held himself personally accountable and pledged that Target would emerge a better company. We are grateful to him for his tireless leadership and will always consider him a member of the Target family.”

National Geographic, Live Prepared launch line of emergency preparedness products

SALT LAKE CITY — National Geographic is partnering with Live Prepared, a division of Blue Chip Group and a leader in emergency preparedness, to bring consumers a line of high-quality preparedness products for natural disasters and unexpected events.

The National Geographic collection will make its debut in major retail stores this summer and will consist of six key categories: water, food, first aid, shelter, energy and tools. The retail price of the products ranges from $4.99 to $99.00, according to a company spokesman.

“National Geographic’s amazing stories, combined with its trusted reputation, will help educate customers about living prepared,” said Blue Chip Group president Mark Augason. “Whether traveling or at home, the National Geographic collection by Live Prepared provides the essential food and gear needed for everyday preparedness.”

Live Prepared will feature the National Geographic collection at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas May 6 to May 8 and at the FMI Show in Chicago June 10 to 13.

Haagen-Dazs prepares for summer with new gelato, ice cream flavors

OAKLAND, Calif. — Haagen-Dazs on Thursday announced that it will expand its gelato line and also will be adding new ice cream flavors to its limited-edition line.

The new gelato options include Carmelized Banana Chip, pistachio, Pomegranate Swirl and tiramisu. Consumers with their eyes on the limited-edition ice creams can expect Midnight Cookies & Cream, banana split, as well as pomegranate dark chocolate ice cream bars.

"We have a very dedicated fan base that is always looking for ways to enhance the ice cream or gelato experience," said Alex Placzek, Haagen-Dazs brand director. "The response to our gelato line has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are thrilled to offer fans a mix of new flavor options: some are innovative and modern while others are a tribute to Italian flavors that have been around for centuries."

Haagen-Dazs gelato flavors will be available in 14-oz. cartons for a suggested retail price of $4.79. The tiramisu gelato variety also will be available in 3.6-oz. cups for a SRP of $1.49. The limited-edition banana split and Midnight Cookies & Cream ice cream will be available in 14-oz. cartons for a SRP of $4.79; the limited-edition pomegranate dark chocolate ice cream bars will be available for a SRP of $4.39 for a pack of four.

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